Mindfulness
Mindfulness activities are one of the most effective ways for people of all ages to develop better self-awareness, compassion, and patience. Being mindful simply means being aware and present in the moment, without allowing ourselves to get caught up in fears or distress about the past or future. Try these 6 ideas for a mindfulness break.
1. Five Things: Taking time to intentionally observe the world around you and notice things you would normally overlook helps the brain sort through distracting or stressful thoughts. This quickly focuses our minds on the present moment. Try this: sit down and notice five things you see, feel, smell, or hear.
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2. Music Appreciation: Put on a calm piece of music, and see how many different instruments you can hear. This is another easy way to focus your thoughts on one task in the present, rather than stressful events that may be approaching.
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3. Heartbeat Counting: For one minute, hold a hand to your chest and observe how your heartbeat and breathing feel. This helps you notice the rhythm of your own body and set aside the stress of living for the future.
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4. Deep Breathing: While this might sound extremely simple, one of the best parts about mindfulness is that it can be simple if you want it to be. Breathing in and out slowly and deeply while noticing things you hear or feel is one of the most common ways to destress and reset after a long day or event.
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5. Squeeze and Relax: This exercise is one way to encourage a deeper connection between the brain and body. Lie down somewhere comfortable, then tense every one of your muscles for a few seconds before relaxing again.
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6. Guided Meditation: A guided meditation can help refocus your thoughts while you follow along with the narrator's voice. Try one of the guided meditations here or check out a favorite below.
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